ABSTRACT
Effective involvement in decision-making on diverse planning and future development issues is perhaps the greatest challenge to such communities. In attempting to proactively address these challenges, an Australian community is in the process of creating a new approach to community governance. The learning gained from such an approach to community governance and some challenges facing the Noosa process in future are identified. Sustainability and governance have emerged as key global issues and primary local concerns. The model of community governance proposed by the Social Board was based on desk research and Board discussion. Noosa Council has a history of consulting with and involving the community in major issues. The significance of tourism to the Noosa community provided an ideal focus for piloting the establishment of an initial community based board. The process has shown the depth and energy of resources available in the community that can be tapped into for the benefit of the participants, the community and local government.
